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Sharjah’s fast-growing Aljada district is set for a major transformation after developer Arada awarded a Dh2.18 billion contract to Dubai-based United Engineering Construction Company to build the centerpiece of its master community, Madar Mall. The project, which will anchor the emirate’s largest lifestyle and entertainment hub, is scheduled for completion in December 2028.
The scale of the development underscores both Arada’s ambition and Sharjah’s evolving position in the UAE’s retail landscape. At 1.1 million square feet, Madar Mall will rank among the country’s most significant shopping destinations, with more than 400 retail outlets and 80 dining options spread across three levels. The design, created by Zaha Hadid Architects, will integrate sweeping elliptical structures, landscaped public spaces, and a landmark central observation tower featuring a rooftop café.
Arada has billed the project as transformative. Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi said the new development will redefine Sharjah’s approach to lifestyle and leisure. “Madar Mall will set a new benchmark for integrated living,” he noted. “It is not only a place to shop and dine but a hub for culture, recreation, and social connection.” He emphasized that this represents the largest single contract the company has ever awarded, underscoring its long-term confidence in the emirate’s growth trajectory.
The contract award to UNEC highlights the trust placed in a construction company that has been operating in the region since 1976 and is known for delivering complex, large-scale projects. UNEC Chairman Eng Abdulhalim Muwahid said the firm is proud to partner with Arada on such a landmark development. He added that the mall’s design and scale reflect a vision to reshape how retail and leisure are experienced in the UAE.
Once completed, Madar Mall is expected to attract 20 million visitors annually. Beyond its retail offering, the destination will house an ice rink, an 11-screen cinema, a flagship fitness center, designer water features, and family-focused entertainment. The broader Madar district, where the mall will be located, already draws visitors with Sharjah’s largest skate park, a dedicated culinary hub called Zad, and adventure playgrounds.
With a total built-up area of 3.9 million square feet, the project will serve as the focal point of Aljada’s family entertainment complex. The design, inspired by the instant a water droplet hits the ground, aims to blend modern architecture with organic forms. This reflects a growing trend in the UAE’s urban development, where community-scale projects are increasingly focused on offering cultural and social spaces alongside commercial infrastructure.
Aljada itself is one of the country’s fastest-growing mixed-use communities. It already houses more than 20,000 residents, with plans to expand to more than 25,000 homes alongside commercial, retail, sports, education, and wellness amenities. The master community’s location, with direct access to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Al Dhaid Road, and Sharjah International Airport, ensures connectivity. It will also benefit from a future Etihad Rail station, linking Sharjah to the wider national network.
The focus keyword Madar Mall at Aljada has become central to conversations about Sharjah’s urban development. As Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to dominate the retail and lifestyle markets, Sharjah has steadily positioned itself as a competitive alternative, offering large-scale projects with a distinct community-oriented ethos.
Observers say the mall’s development aligns with Sharjah’s broader strategy to diversify its economy. While the emirate remains closely tied to traditional sectors, real estate and lifestyle destinations have increasingly contributed to growth. A project of this size signals confidence in future demand, especially as the UAE’s population rises and tourism rebounds.
The mall is also expected to support Sharjah’s ambitions of attracting regional visitors. With entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences on offer, the project could draw day-trippers from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, while also enhancing the lifestyle of local residents.
For Arada, which has rapidly grown into one of the UAE’s most active developers, the mall represents both an investment in scale and a statement of intent. With UNEC now set to begin immediate construction, the countdown has started for what could become one of the most significant additions to Sharjah’s built environment in the coming decade.
Madar Mall at Aljada is a Dh2.18 billion lifestyle and shopping destination being developed by Arada in Sharjah.
United Engineering Construction Company (UNEC), a Dubai-based contractor, has been awarded the contract.
Construction is expected to finish by December 2028.
The mall will feature 400 stores, 80 restaurants, an ice rink, cinema, fitness center, and cultural attractions.
The mall is projected to draw around 20 million visitors annually once completed.
